Keeping Mashed Potatoes Warm w/Slow Cooker

[nofunlatte]

I'm cooking steak au poivre on New Year's Day and I'll be making a salad and mashed potatoes to accompany it. I'd like to make the mashed potatoes ahead of time, so that I can enjoy my aperitif with my dinner guest and not deal with anything but the steak and sauce when the time comes. I assume I can keep the potatoes warm in a slow cooker set on low heat. However, how long can I keep them in the slow cooker? I don't want them to turn to glue or become otherwise taste-comprimised? Could I keep them in there for 3 or so hours? Any help is appreciated!

[nofunlatte]

Thanks to all who responded w/suggestions. I wound up making the mashers, buttering the slow cooker, putting some half-and-half in the bottom, and keeping them warm on low heat. It worked beautifully!

[ldkelley]

I am glad to hear it worked out for you!

[Miss Dune]

Thanks to all for the suggestions. You've solved my Thankgiving dilemma. I hate rushing to get the potatoes done at the last minute so they are still hot and good. This year, I shall relax!

[xcptnl]

I also used the crock pot this Thanksgiving for the first time to keep the mashed potatoes warm and it worked great (in fact they were HOT even on the warm setting). I made them like I normally do and then put them in. Stirred them occasionally.

[dmd_kc]

I tried this for the first time at Thanksgiving, and the slow cooker held them perfectly for four hours. Totally indistinguishable from fresh. I've tried and failed at sparkareno's suggestion -- but that's probably my own fault. I am not terribly good with the microwave and starches.

[sparkareno]

cook your potatoes & put them thru the ricer but do not mix or add butter or milk. You can now put them in the fridge or leave on the counter for a few hours. Just before serving, nuke them and then add hot milk & butter & stir. They come out perfect.

[ldkelley]

I do this every Thanksgiving. Put some cream and butter in the bottom of the crockpot before adding your potatoes, and butter the sides, and add hot mashed pots in and put the cooker on warm. They will stay good for several hours. Give them a stir occasionally so that the sides / bottom don't burn.

[jeanmarieok]

This is how my mom does her mashed potatoes for Christmas - butter/cream at the bottom, and well buttered sides. Good for about 4 hours. Even after 4 hours, they just start to get a little crusty on the sides, and we were all fighting over those bits when we were cleaning up after dinner.

[danna]

I can't help w/ the slow cooker, but I have kept potatoes for awhile in a double boiler covered w/ saran.

[monavano]

I would try to keep the potatoes moist by placing them in another covered container and then place them in the slow cooker with a little water on the bottom. That should prevent any crisping or burning.
They should keep for a good hour or two.